Organophosphate
esters (OPEs) have been a focus in the field of
environmental science due to their large volume production, wide range
of applications, ubiquitous occurrence, potential bioaccumulation,
and worrisome ecological and health risks. Varied physicochemical
properties among OPE analogues represent an outstanding scientific
challenge in studying the environmental fate of OPEs in recent years.
There is an increasing number of studies focusing on the long-range
transport, trophic transfer, and ecological risks of OPEs. Therefore,
it is necessary to conclude the OPE pollution status on a global scale,
especially in the remote areas with vulnerable and fragile ecosystems.
The present review links together the source, fate, and environmental
behavior of OPEs in remote areas, integrates the occurrence and profile
data, summarizes their bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and ecological
risks, and finally points out the predominant pollution burden of
OPEs among organic pollutants in remote areas. Given the relatively
high contamination level and bioaccumulation/biomagnification behavior
of OPEs, in combination with the sensitivity of endemic species in
remote areas, more attention should be paid to the potential ecological
risks of OPEs.